On Air Now
Early Breakfast with Lucy Coward 4am - 6am
Classic FM Live 2012: the performance
A host of world-class performers, the Royal Albert Hall at full capacity, and a programme of the world's greatest music. Join us as we relive the magic of our 20th birthday Classic FM Live.
-
1. Classic FM Live 2012
It's a full house in the Royal Albert Hall as the audience gear up for some of the world's greatest music. Picture: Matt Crossick/PA
-
2. Margherita Taylor and John Suchet
Classic FM presenters John Suchet and Margherita Taylor set the tone for the evening and address the full Royal Albert Hall. Picture: Matt Crossick/PA
-
3. The Crouch End Festival Chorus prepare to go on
As Margherita Taylor and John Suchet present on stage, the Crouch End Festival Chorus gear up to perform at Classic FM Live. Picture: Richard Johnson
-
4. In the wings with Crouch End Festival Chorus
The Crouch End Festival Chorus get ready to go on stage. Check out their brilliant folders! Picture: Richard Johnson
-
5. Nicholas Owen on stage at Classic FM Live 2012
Nicholas Owen is just one of the seven Classic FM presenters who took their turn on stage at the Royal Albert Hall. Picture: Richard Johnson
-
-
6. Zadok the Priest at Classic FM Live 2012
Dazzling light, and even a few fireworks - what better way to kick off our 20th birthday Classic FM Live concert? It's Zadok the Priest, of course! Picture: Matt Crossick/PA
-
7. Tasmin Little performs 'Czardas'
After the transcendental 'Zadok the Priest', violinist Tasmin Little injects some fire into the Albert Hall with her lively performance of Monti's 'Czardas'. The lights changed to red, to match her outfit. Picture: Matt Crossick/PA
-
8. Myleene Klass presents Classic FM Live 2012
The lovely Myleene takes to the stage to introduce Wynne Evans, the talented tenor. Picture: Matt Crossick/PA
-
9. Myleene Klass
Myleene took to the stage to introduce Wynne Evans - she was pleased to be in the audience for Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No. 2, as it's a favourite of hers! Picture: Richard Johnson
-
10. Wynne Evans sings 'Nessun dorma' at Classic FM Live
Wynne commands the stage singing the tenor favourite, 'Nessun dorma'. As tonight's concert is sponsored by the Nissan Note, he joked: "Nissan have decided to release a new camper van after tonight: the Nissan Dormer!" Picture: Matt Crossick/PA
-
-
11. Wynne Evans entertains the crowd at the Royal Albert Hall
Wynne Evans isn't just an amazing singer - it seems he has a talent for comedy as well! He joked with the audience between his songs. Picture: Matt Crossick/PA
-
12. Wynne Evans thanks Douglas Boyd
Wynne Evans and conductor Douglas Boyd shake hands after an emotionally charged performance. Picture: Richard Johnson
-
13. Sarah Gardner at Classic FM Live 2012
The 'Next Brit Thing', Sarah Gardner, aged 17, performs Rachmaninov's Prelude in G minor. Picture: Matt Crossick/PA
-
14. Sarah Gardner performs Rachmaninov
Sarah Gardner makes her Royal Albert Hall debut with a passionate performance of Rachmaninov's Prelude in G minor. Picture: Matt Crossick/PA
-
15. Sarah Gardner performs Rachmaninov
It's hard to believe Sarah Gardner is only 17 years old. She captured every nuance of emotion in Rachmaninov's Prelude in G minor. Picture: Richard Johnson
-
-
16. HJ Lim takes to the stage
The amazing HJ Lim makes her Royal Albert Hall debut with a heart-stopping performance of Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No. 2. Picture: Matt Crossick/PA
-
17. HJ Lim plays Rachmaninov
HJ Lim performed the entire concerto from memory. It's no mean feat - it lasts just over 32 minutes. Picture: Matt Crossick/PA
-
18. HJ Lim performing from memory
HJ Lim performed the entire concerto from memory. It's no mean feat - it lasts just over 32 minutes. Picture: Richard Johnson
-
19. HJ Lim on stage at the Royal Albert Hall
The audience, made up of Classic FM presenters, producers, and most importantly, listeners, were spellbound as HJ LIm performed her stunning UK concerto debut. Picture: Matt Crossick/PA
-
20. HJ Lim at Classic FM Live 2012
HJ Lim said Rachmaninov's music spoke straight to her heart. It clearly affected the audience as well, who were enthralled throughout the three-movement work. Picture: Matt Crossick/PA
-
-
21. HJ Lim on stage with Douglas Boyd
HJ Lim made her UK debut in July this year, but this is the first time she's performed a concerto on UK soil. We heard her warming up in her dressing room backstage, which included a piano! Picture: Richard Johnson
-
22. HJ Lim at Classic FM Live 2012
HJ Lim closes her eyes as she lets the beautiful music transport her. Picture: Richard Johnson
-
23. Alan Titchmarsh presents a cheque to Nordoff Robbins
Alan Titchmarsh presents a cheque for £167,887 to Nordoff Robbins, from the Classic FM Foundation. Picture: Matt Crossick/PA
-
24. Alan Titchmarsh on stage at Classic FM Live
Alan Titchmarsh hears how important music therapy can be from a parent whose life was changed by Nordoff Robbins. Picture: Matt Crossick/PA
-
25. The Royal Albert Hall at Classic FM Live 2012
It's only a small fraction of Classic FM's 5.5million weekly listeners, but the Royal Albert Hall looks incredibly full! Picture: Matt Crossick/PA
-
-
26. Douglas Boyd and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra
The Royal Scottish National Orchestra, conducted by Douglas Boyd. Picture: Matt Crossick/PA
-
27. The Royal Albert Hall at Classic FM Live 2012
It wasn't just a concert of the world's greatest music - the Royal Albert Hall had some of the world's greatest lighting this evening, with fireworks and different coloured lights representing different sections of the concert. Picture: Matt Crossick/PA
-
28. Classic FM Live 2012 with Nissan Note
Classic FM Live and Nissan Note logos emblazoned the hall, in the most unlikely places! Picture: Matt Crossick/PA
-
29. Jerusalem at Classic FM Live
After the interval, it's Parry's rousing hymn, Jerusalem. Picture: Richard Johnson
-
30. Crouch End Festival Chorus
The Crouch End Festival Chorus perform Jerusalem - another nod to our wonderful British compositional talent. Picture: Richard Johnson
-
31. Alex James introduces 'The Lark Ascending'
Alex James introduces Vaughan Williams' 'The Lark Ascending'. "The countryside made me love classical music," he said. Picture: Matt Crossick/PA
-
32. Tasmin Little performs Vaughan Williams on stage
Tasmin Little performs the breathtaking piece, 'The Lark Ascending'. The audience are stunned into silence as the piece dies away. Picture: Richard Johnson
-
33. Tasmin Little commands the stage
A moment of calm in a lively concert - Tasmin Little shows the many facets of classical music in her performance of Vaughan Williams' peaceful music. Picture: Richard Johnson
-
34. Tasmin Little at Classic FM Live 2012
You can hear a pin drop in the Royal Albert Hall as Tasmin plays Vaughan Williams' pastoral favourite. Picture: Richard Johnson
-
35. Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen on stage at Classic FM Live 2012
It's Laurence's turn to address the crowd and introduce the world's greatest music. Picture: Richard Johnson
-
36. Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen
No, he's not telling us how to redesign the stage - Laurence Llewlyn-Bowen introduces the next performance at Classic FM Live. Picture: Richard Johnson
-
37. Douglas Boyd and the RSNO
Douglas Boyd and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra perform Mendelssohn's gorgeous 'Fingal's Cave', from the Hebrides Overture. Picture: Matt Crossick/PA
-
38. Mendelssohn: Hebrides Overture
The Royal Scottish National Orchestra perform 'Fingal's Cave', inspired by the Scottish landscape. Picture: Matt Crossick/PA
-
39. Karl Jenkins conducts
What a treat - Karl Jenkins not only conducting, but performing his own 'Benedictus', from 'The Armed Man'. Picture: Matt Crossick/PA
-
40. Karl Jenkins on stage at the Royal Albert Hall
We asked Karl Jenkins how he felt about his best-loved pieces. He said: "I didn't think they'd connect with people as much as they have." Picture: Matt Crossick/PA
-
41. Karl Jenkins thanks the orchestra and choir
After performing the beautiful 'Benedictus', Karl Jenkins signals to the players in the orchestra. Picture: Richard Johnson
-
42. Tchaikovsky '1812 Overture'
And it's all over! The fireworks go off, as the orchestra play Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture. Picture: Matt Crossick/PA
-
43. Douglas Boyd Classic FM Live 2012 With Nissan Note: Performances
Concentration is key in such large scale repertoire, like Tchaikovsky's amazing 1812 Overture. Picture: Matt Crossick/PA
-
44. The Royal Scottish National Orchestra are applauded
Douglas signals to the orchestra as the star players of the evening receive individual applause. Picture: Matt Crossick/PA
-
45. Fireworks at Classic FM Live 2012
A magical evening of music, made only more magical by the amazing pyrotechnics display. Picture: Matt Crossick/PA
-
46. Fireworks at Classic FM Live 2012
Tchaikovsky's amazing 1812 Overture, performed by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, accompanied by firework cannons as well as real cannons! Picture: Matt Crossick/PA
-
47. Colours and light at Classic FM Live 2012
The Royal Albert Hall lights up in the glorious Classic FM brand colours. Picture: Matt Crossick/PA
-
48. Classic FM Live 2012
The orchestra take a final bow as the full Royal Albert Hall applauds. Picture: Matt Crossick/PA
-
49. Fireworks at Classic FM Live 2012
A feast for the eyes as well as the ears, the fireworks explode in the Royal Albert Hall. Picture: Matt Crossick/PA
-
50. Fireworks at Classic FM Live 2012
The canons are sounding, and the fireworks are going off. What a way to end the 20th birthday Classic FM Live! Congratulations to all involved! Picture: Matt Crossick/PA
